17
DFMSeptember2015
MOVING
WITH YOUR
BEST FRIENDS
STEPHANIE MCNEILL
PETS are part of
many Defence
families and can
become JUST AS
UNSETTLED as
their owners as
they move AROUND
THE COUNTRY.
W
e ask vet
Ivan Gavazov
who treats
many Defence pets in
his practice for some
advice.
It’s important to keep your
pet’s routine as normal as
possible before moving,
according to Ivan.
“A dramatic change may
cause stress,” Ivan says.
“Food, exercise and play
times should be kept the
same as much as possible,
in both your old and new
posting location.”
“Make sure you have
enough of their preferred
food to see them through the
move and, if you can, pack
up their bedding, water
bowls and toys last so they
still have their own things
around them.”
He also says to make
sure their vaccinations are
up to date and you have a
supply of any medication
they need.
There are a number of
pests and diseases that your
pet may need protection
against in your new locality.
In the tropics, ticks, heat
stroke and leptospirosis are
more common so ask your
vet for advice before you go.
When you get to your
new location Ivan says it’s a
good idea to keep cats
inside for two weeks in your
new home until they get used
to the new location.
With dogs, his advice is
to only let them out in the
backyard once you’ve
checked the area is safe and
the fences are sound.
“For the first few days
when you take your dog into
the backyard, keep them on
a leash,” Ivan says.
“It will feel more secure
for them.”
“Walk your dog regularly
around your new location.
Both of you will explore the
new environment and start
feeling more at home.”n
Mac gets ready for his next posting. Photo by Michael Lange.